A motion calling for a full, independent national inquiry into rape gangs and child sexual exploitation in Keighley and the wider Bradford District was blocked by Labour councillors last night, sparking outrage and accusations of a cover-up.
The motion, brought forward by the Conservative Group on Bradford Council, aimed to garner cross-party support to shed light on decades of abuse and bring justice to survivors.
However, instead of backing the call for a transparent and independent investigation, Labour councillors put forward an alternative motion offering little more than “warm words” with no meaningful impact, according to critics.
The decision has been met with fierce condemnation, with Conservative MP for Keighley and Ilkley, Robbie Moore, branding it “shameful” and accusing the council of actively blocking transparency.
He said:
“Tonight’s actions by our local Labour councillors were completely indefensible. They are actively blocking further openness and transparency on this horrendous crime which continues to haunt Keighley and the wider Bradford District.”
The controversy unfolded on the same day Moore questioned Professor Alexis Jay, author of the damning Rotherham report, in Parliament through the Home Affairs Select Committee. Professor Jay warned that local authorities often resist inquiries due to fears of being exposed, stating:
“They don’t want to be the next Rotherham… there will be a kind of collusion not to commission such reports.”
Her remarks have only fuelled concerns that Bradford Council is protecting itself rather than seeking justice for victims.
The Conservative MP added:
“The national Labour Government are refusing to instigate a national inquiry, and now our local Labour authority is doing the same. Bradford Council cannot be allowed to mark their own homework.”
Victims and campaigners have long called for an inquiry into child sexual exploitation in the region, citing concerns that grooming gangs were allowed to operate unchecked for years due to political sensitivities and failings by local authorities.
Moore insisted that a full national inquiry is the only way forward, arguing that without it, survivors will continue to be denied justice and perpetrators left unpunished.
“Tonight’s decision is exactly why we need a full national inquiry. This cannot be swept under the carpet any longer,” he said.
The issue of grooming gangs has plagued areas like Keighley and Bradford for years, with reports detailing systematic failures by police, social services, and councils in tackling the abuse. Campaigners argue that without a thorough, independent investigation, the scale of the problem will never truly be uncovered.
Local residents and advocacy groups have expressed their anger and disappointment at Labour’s decision, with many taking to social media to accuse the council of “turning a blind eye” and failing the very communities they were elected to serve.
Calls for the Labour-run council to reconsider their stance and support a national inquiry are now growing louder, with Conservative councillors vowing to keep fighting for justice.
The Labour Party has yet to respond to the criticism, but their handling of the issue is likely to fuel further questions about their commitment to addressing the long-standing scandal.
The fight for transparency and justice in Bradford continues.
